When it comes to residential mortgages, clients whose situations don’t fit the standard guidelines often need and hope to find a professional who is not only an expert, but someone who they know they can rely on. That’s where Mark Johnson, vice president of residential, commercial, and construction lending with Gold Coast Bank comes in. Mark is a dedicated professional who goes above and beyond to connect with people, understand their struggles, and help them achieve their dreams of homeownership.

Mark's entry into the mortgage industry wasn't planned. Originally from Valparaiso, Indiana, he grew up in Olympia Fields, Illinois, where he learned the value of community and supporting others. 

After college, armed with an accounting degree and a minor in finance from Illinois Wesleyan University, Mark entered the investment planning world as he’d hoped to. However, he soon realized that his true calling was in the mortgage industry, where he could make a more significant impact on people's lives. “I felt in the mortgage industry I could help more people with their largest investment,” says Mark. 

Mark jumped into the mortgage industry back in 1993 with little knowledge or training but quickly learned the business on refinance loans. “At that time, credit scores did not exist, and every loan had to be negotiated with underwriting as there were no automatic approvals,” remembers Mark. “This manual process helped me to really understand customers’ situations and fostered great and genuine connections with customers. I had to create a relationship with customers quickly to know their situation, be able to explain and detail each customer’s scenario and convert it to underwriter talk. I still follow this process today to get to know my customers.” And he still manually approves some loans, just like he did when he started because they involve situations that a computer is simply unable to analyze. 

  

Eventually, Mark joined Gold Coast Bank because he saw that their commitment to providing solutions for every customer, regardless of their financial situation, lined up with his passion for helping people. 

Gold Coast Bank offers two kinds of loans. Their "saleable loans" are for customers who fit the standard guidelines. From single-family homes to condos and townhomes, be they owner-occupied or investment properties, the bank caters to a diverse range of customers and provides various options for purchase and refinance transactions. 

Because of Mark's expertise, he handles a significant number of the loans that don't "fit in the box." "A good portion of the loans I handle do not get approved by computer because of the complexity of the loan or the customer’s situation,” explains Mark. These unique cases may involve clients who are self-employed individuals, or who have credit score challenges or unconventional income calculations, and with budgets ranging from very small to $7 million. To address these scenarios, Gold Coast Bank has an in-house portfolio that allows them to make internal decisions and provide personalized solutions. From bridge loans to construction financing and even unwarrantable condos, Mark ensures that no stone is left unturned in finding the right fit for his customers.

Within these unique cases, Mark’s specialty is construction financing—renovation, new construction, and rehab. In terms of new construction, “I can handle stick-built, modular, log, and panelized homes,” he explains. “Our [the bank’s] nimbleness allows us to handle financing to the customer or builder, whether it’s for spec home financing, investor construction, second homes, or owner-occupied projects,” he adds.

But what truly sets Mark apart is his dedication to his clients. Beyond being a mortgage expert, he’s a resource and a friend to his customers. They call him just to ask questions and seek advice, knowing they can count on him and his knowledge. “My favorite is the email or call from past customers who just want to talk or just say, ‘I’m looking for your advice, but I’m not doing anything [taking any action] yet,’” states Mark. For him, it's about doing the right thing and building relationships based on trust and integrity.

When his clients call for his help, Mark couldn’t be more delighted. “My goal is to be the resource for people to get information,” says Mark. “I feel my job is about being a teacher in many ways: I’m here to give people the information they need to make the best decisions.” 

To that end, Mark also strives to work with REALTORS® in the area to help them better serve their clients. “I do not have to do the loan,” he notes, “but if I can guide you and your clients in the right direction, even if they close with their current lender, then I am happy,” states Mark. “I am all about doing what is right for everyone.” 

Over the years, Mark has witnessed the significant changes that have occurred in the mortgage industry. He experienced the market’s flexibility prior to 2008 and saw the rise of subprime loans. As well as the introduction of tighter guidelines and adjustments in credit score rates that came in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. And how the COVID-19 pandemic has caused volatility in the market, which he sees impacting liquidity and decision-making.

Outside of his professional life, Mark is a loving family man. His wife, Rochelle, and their two sons, Reed and Austin, love doing things outdoors. From camping, boating, and volleyball in the summer to skiing and snowboarding in the winter, they make the most of their time together. 

Beyond his professional achievements, Mark has a hidden talent: construction and DIY projects. He’s been working with tools since he was eight years old. Today, his basement is a mini Home Depot, stocked with an impressive collection of tools. Mark even spent weekends doing construction work during the early years of his mortgage career.

Mark Johnson's story is one of passion, dedication, and personal connection. As the face of Gold Coast Bank's exceptional services, he continues to be the go-to person for REALTORS® and clients alike. Mark's commitment to helping people, his vast knowledge, and his genuine character make him the mortgage expert with heart.